Lower Bucks Today

LANGHORNE, PA – Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner joined Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick in Bucks County today to acknowledge the vital role of federal infrastructure funding and witness ongoing efforts to ensure safety and restore the Randall Avenue Bridge.

During their visit to the Amtrak Training Facility in Morrisville, Congressman Fitzpatrick and CEO Gardner celebrated the $8.8 million grant awarded to Amtrak in September 2023. This grant, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, will be utilized to establish an apprenticeship program for engineering track foremen and inspectors. This initiative aims to provide new knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities for growth to employees. Recognizing the importance of experienced professionals imparting their expertise, the project also seeks to develop comprehensive training requirements for new hires and facilitate upward mobility for current staff members.

In Bristol Township, Congressman Fitzpatrick and CEO Gardner received an update on the ongoing efforts to maintain the structural integrity of the Randall Avenue Bridge. The township-owned bridge had been closed since February 2023 after concrete and debris fell from its underside onto the Amtrak and SEPTA tracks below.

Expressing his gratitude for CEO Gardner's visit, Congressman Fitzpatrick emphasized the significance of Amtrak as a carrier, employer, and economic partner for Bucks and Montgomery Counties. He also highlighted the success of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, stating, "I look forward to continuing to support passenger rail and transit programs in Congress to ensure that Amtrak and SEPTA have the resources they need to keep our community moving."

CEO Gardner acknowledged the importance of the grant funding for Amtrak's apprenticeship program, stating, "This will drive economic development for the region and help create a pipeline of skilled workers for future rail operations." He also expressed his support as a community partner during the process of improving the Randall Ave Bridge, stating, "While Amtrak does not own or maintain the bridge, we are fully onboard to demonstrate our support as a good community partner during this process."

Congressman Fitzpatrick played a pivotal role in the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act in the 117th Congress. As co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, he worked alongside senators from both sides of the aisle to create legislation that will have a lasting impact on national security, the economy, and communities for generations to come.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act aims to invest in a wide range of projects across the United States, focusing on improving railroad safety, efficiency, and reliability. It also aims to alleviate congestion at intercity passenger and freight rail chokepoints, enhance multi-modal connections, and improve intercity passenger rail transportation corridors.

The visit of CEO Gardner and Congressman Fitzpatrick to Bucks County underscores the importance of federal infrastructure funding and their commitment to supporting Amtrak and SEPTA in providing efficient and safe transportation for the community.